‘The Next Chapter’: Class of 2025 Welcomed to the Alumni Team
On June 6, 2025, DP graduation was held at home for the first time. A wave of emotion swept through the hall as the Class of 2025 marched into the Somersfield gymnasium to the Somersfield’s signature sound of steel drums. In an evening filled with pride, laughter, and reflection, the school bid farewell to a class that not only rose to academic rigor but redefined what it means to be a Somersfield graduate.
Head of School Riki Teteina, in his opening remarks, captured the essence of the evening: “You are not just graduates; you are citizens of the world. You’ve lived the IB Learner Profile—not as an ideal, but as a practice.”
The keynote speech by alumna Hana Bushara (Somersfield Class of 2015) was a true highlight of the evening. Her words struck deep, blending vulnerability with insight, and offering students both inspiration and challenge. Reflecting on her own personal growth and nonlinear journey, Hana reminded students to honour the parts of themselves that don’t always fit neatly into a CV or transcript.
Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” performed exquisitely by Masaki Kitade on violin and David Sainsbury on cello, supported by Music Teacher Tiffany Fox.
Keynote Speaker and alumna, Hana Bushara ‘15, addresses the graduates with her experiences since leaving Somersfield.
“My greatest accomplishment has been overcoming the fear of my own heart,” she shared, in a moment that drew a quiet breath from the room.
Speaking of milestones, detours, and rediscovering oneself through music and courage, Hana left students with a lasting message:
“You will never truly know what chapter of the story you are in … what someone might mark as an end, might feel like a beginning.”
It was a speech that many will carry with them for years to come.
Stories That Moved a Community
From the stage, teachers shared their memories, dreams, and gratitude as students received their diplomas. Luc Campbell, delivering the 2025 Student Address, spoke about growth through discomfort. “We came into the DP not knowing what to expect. We leave having learned how to think for ourselves and how to stand for others.”
A touching video interlude brought audible gasps and laughter from the audience, showing the graduates as younger students, alongside snapshots of CAS projects, field trips, and candid classroom moments.
Special Awards: Honouring Excellence and Heart
As awards were announced by faculty and guest presenters, it became clear just how deeply this class had impacted their school and community:
Somersfield Creativity Activity Service Award: Taylor Smith was awarded.
PWC Head Start Award: Javion Law was recognised for his work in leadership
CPA Bermuda Outstanding Student: J’yindae Preece was recognised for their academic consistency and leadership.
EY Values Award: Stephanie Hardy was celebrated for exemplifying values of respect, courage, and inclusiveness.
Deloitte High School Award: Awaiting final announcement, this award recognises a student with future aspirations in accounting or financial services, grounded in integrity and service.
Liberty Group Mathematics Award: Presented to Benjamin Crofton, who earned the highest cumulative math average across four years.
Alma Nova Excellence in Creativity: Awarded to Tyelle Phillips for an inspiring body of visual art and design work.
Eoghan Homan Perseverance Award: Taliah Wade was recognised for her unwavering resilience during the IB Diploma Programme.
Principal’s Award - Vision: A hallmark of the evening, this award was bestowed upon a student who wholly embodied Somersfield’s mission, Noah Astwood. She will leave a lasting legacy of critical thinking, service, and global-mindedness.
Principal’s Award – Academic Achievement: Gabriella Teteina earned the highest overall predicted academic score, a testament to her diligence and intellectual strength.
“The Next Chapter”
In a moment that brought the evening full circle, Zarah Siddiqi offered a heartfelt vote of thanks to faculty, staff, families, and peers.
And as the recessional played and graduates walked out into the evening light, Charlie Judd delivered the final closing remarks: “This is not goodbye. This is a welcome to your next chapter—to a future built on truth, compassion, and imagination. Wherever you go, this will always be home.”
Congratulations, Class of 2025. You are ready. Not just for what’s next—but to shape what comes next.
